Metal-clad switch-gear structure



Nov., L 19 F. H. COLE METAL-CLAD SWITCH-,GEAR STRUCTURE 8 Sheets-Sheet l.

Filed May 27, 1935 Nov. 1, 1938. F. H. COLE METAL-CLAD SWITCH-GEAR STRUCTURE Filed May 27, 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 1, 1938. F. H. COLE 2,135,250

METAL-CLAD SWITCH-GEAR STRUCTURE n Filed May 27, 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Nov. 1, 1938. F. H. COLE METAL-CLAD SWITCH-GEAR A STRUCTURE Filed May 27, 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 am 'M NOV. 1, 1938. F; ||A COLE A2,135,250

METAL- CLAD SWITCH-.GEAR STRUCTURE Filed May 27, 1955 8 SheeLS-Sheec 5 fave/@$071 Feci @0K6 Novv l, 1938.

F. H. COLE 2,135,250

METAL-CLAD SWITCH-'GEAR STRUCTURE Filed May 27, 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Nov. l, 1938.

F.4H. COLE METAL-CLAD SWITCH-GEAR STRUCTURE Filed May 27, 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 'zf/efz-Z'of 252665 H Cole Nov. 1, 1938. F. H. COLE METAL-CLAD SWITCH-GEAR STRUCTURE 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed May 27, 1935 Patented Nov. `1, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT ori-lcs METAL-CLAD SWITCH-GEAR STRUCTURE ration of Illinois Application May 27, 1935, Serial No. 23,627

23 Claims.

This invention relates to metal-clad switch gear, and is more particularly directed to switch gear of this type having main and auxiliary or transfer busses, and a feeder circuit including a regulator and oil circuit breakers for connecting the feeder circuit to the main and transfer busses.

In the use of this type of switch gear, I have found a practicable arrangement for disconnecting the feeder regulator for inspection, servicing and repair, but, at the same time, maintaining uninterrupted service by temporarily connecting the feeder circuit to the transfer bus. In switch gear other than the enclosed metal-clad type, ordinary disconnecting switches can be used to l5 advantage for this purpose. However, in the enclosed metal-clad type of switch gear, the units are ordinarily placed side by side, with no free space therebetween, and the sides of each of the cubicles or units are enclosed by metal panels.

gg If disconnecting switches were employed, they would have to be placed at the ends of the units so that they would be accessible for operation. Such a disposition of the disconnect switches materially complicates the switching connec- 25 tions, so that the use of disconnecting switches in metal-clad switch gear is not desirable from this standpoint. Further, in switch gear of the type disclosed in the present invention, an extremely compact arrangement of equipment and switch- 30 ing connections is desirable, and safe operation thereof precludes the use of the open type disconnecting switches in such structures.

It is a primary object of my invention to provide an auxiliary circuit breaker in the regulator 35 circuit, this auxiliary circuit breaker operating in conjunction with the main circuit breaker that connects the feeder circuit to the main bus for completely disconnecting the regulator from the feeder circuit while service is maintained by con- 40 necting the feeder through the transfer circuit breaker to the transfer bus.

The use of a circuit breaker for the regulator circuit in conjunction with the oil circuit breaker connecting the feeder circuit to the main and 4 transfer busses overcomes serious objections to the use of the open type disconnecting switches. Moreover, circuit breakers are required to be of the design commonly known as the lift type, which are connected and disconnected from the circuits by raising and lowering of the circuit breaker. With the use of this type of circuit breaker, visual indication of the position of the circuit breaker is apparent, and when the break- 55 ers are lowered, the safety of the repairman is as assured as if open type disconnecting switches were employed.

The present invention provides for mounting of the auxiliary or regulator circuit breaker with respect to the main circuit breaker in such manner that safety of operation is secured, and so that inspection, repair and servicing of the switch gear can be provided within a confined and economical structure. Also, the arrangement is such as to facilitate access to the regulator and 10 regulator circuit breaker to allow a repairman or the like to service the equipment without the necessity of dismantling of any of the cubicle structure.

In the ordinary operation of this equipment, the feeder circuit is connected to the main bus through the regulator circuit breaker, the regulator, the current transformers and the main bus circuit breaker. If it is desired to work on any of the equipment in this particular circuit, the transfer bus is energized in any one of several well known methods, such as by connecting it to the main bus at a bus tie section. The circuit breaker connecting the feeder circuit to the transfer bus can then be closed, and the feeder circuit is then directly connected to the transfer bus. The circuit breaker connecting the feeder to the main bus can then be opened, after which the regulator switch may be opened. In such a sequence of operations, it is apparent that the regulator switch is called upon to break only the charging current of the regulator, and therefore this switch can have a small rupturing capacity.

It is sufficient if this switch has only the required voltage and current rating of the circuit. However, it is essential that this small regulator circuit breaker should never be used to open the load on the feeder, as it may then be required to open a load beyond its rupturing capacity, with considerable resulting damage. 40

Ordinarily, the main breakers are provided with operating mechanisms of the solenoid or motor type, as is well known, so that these breakers can be operated electrically at a remote point, such as a control panel, by means of a control switch. The auxiliary regulator breaker, in the present invention, is manually operated at the cubicle.

In the arrangement provided by the present invention, the main breakers are locked to the cubicle frame by means of draw bars, one of the draw bars being located on either side of the breaker and having sliding engagement with respect to the frame of the cubicle. The weight of the breaker is carriedl by the draw bars at definite bearing points located thereon. The auxiliary regulator breaker is mounted on a carriage which can be moved vertically with respect to the cubicle frame. rIhis carriage is arranged for automatic coupling to the head of the main bus circuit breaker and moves with the main breaker as it is raised or lowered.

The present invention contemplates the use of a series of interlocking mechanisms, whereby safe operation of the breakers is provided, and the sequence of operation is controlled in a positive manner.

In the ordinary operation of the equipment, the main circuit breaker and the auxiliary regulator breaker are in raised or switch operating position, with the main breaker closed and the transfer breaker open. The feeder is thus being fed from the main bus through the regulators and the auxiliary regulator circuit breaker. When it is desired to inspect the regulator or any of the equipment in the regulator circuit, the transfer bus is energized, after which the transfer circuit breaker connecting the feeder to the transfer bus is closed. The main circuit breaker connecting the feeder to the main bus is then opened by operation of a control switch at the control panel. The regulators are then set at the neutral position, after which the auxiliary regulator switch or circuit breaker is opened by means of a manually operated lever at the cubicle. A lift type truck, of the design now in use for servicing of circuit breakers in enclosed types of metal-clad switch gear, is then run into position and the elevator portion thereof raised until the weight of the circuit breaker is taken by the truck. The two draw bars on either side of the circuit breaker can then be pulled forward, which releases the circuit breaker from engagement with the frame of the switch gear structure. The elevator is then lowered, the main circuit breaker and the auxiliary regulator circuit breaker being completely disconnected from the circuit by conjoint lowering thereof. 'I'he truck is then moved forward which provides for automatic uncoupling of the main circuit breaker from the auxiliary regulator breaker, the latter breaker being supported in lowered position by the switch gear frame.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a manual operating mechanism for the regulator breaker of such a construction that will permit of automatic engagement and disengagement of the mechanism with the breaker so that the conjoint movement of the regulator breaker and main circuit breaker can be accomplished without diiiiculty and delay.

In providing for the sequence of operation outlined above, certain interlocking features of distinct advantage have been disclosed in the present invention. For example, means are provided whereby the auxiliary regulator circuit breaker cannot be opened or closed unless the main circuit breaker is opened. Also, provision is made whereby neither of the draw bars can be pulled forward to release the main circuit breaker from the framer unless the main circuit breaker is in open position. Also, one of the draw bars cannot be moved to disconnecting position unless the auxiliary regulator breaker is also in open position.

Further, by certain novel interlocking connections, neither the auxiliary regulator breaker nor the main circuit breaker can be loweed unless they are both in switch open position, with both of the draw bars pulled forward.

Also, I have provided means whereby the transfer breaker cannot be lowered unless the draw bars therefor are pulled forward, and these draw bars cannot be moved to their forward position unless the transfer breaker is in open position. Also, an auxiliary switch is provided in the control circuit of the circuit breaker. This auxiliary switch is mechanically connected to and operated by one of the draw bars in such a manner that the circuit breaker cannot be closed by the control switch at the control panel when this draw bar has been moved from its circuit breaker supporting position.

The present invention also provides means whereby, upon moving the main circuit breaker into position within the cubicle by means of the lift truck, the main circuit breaker is automatically coupled to the regulator circuit breaker which is disposed in lowered position within the frame. Thereafter, upon raising of the main circuit breaker by the lift mechanism lof the truck, both the main and regulator breakers are simultaneously raised vertically into closed position, and remain coupled together. The draw bars, upon being pushed inwardly to locked position, take up the weight of the main circuit breaker and allow the truck to be lowered and removed from the cubicle with the regulator breaker and the main breaker maintained in operative position.

Another advantage of the present invention resides in the interlocking means whereby the main circuit breaker is disconnected by means of a remotely disposed control switch, and thereafter the auxiliary regulator breaker may be manually disconnected by switch operating means at the cubicle. The supporting means may be actuated only after disconnection of both of the breakers to provide for lowering of the two breakers and subsequent removal of the main circuit breaker from the cubicle.

In this connection, a distinct feature of the invention resides in the use of a regulator circuit breaker of small rupturing capacity in combination with the main circuit breaker of the required rupturing capacity, whereby through suitable interlocking means the regulator breaker must be closed before the main circuit breaker is closed, and cannot be opened until after the main circuit breaker has been opened.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear more fully from the following detailed description which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, will disclose to those skilled in the art the particular construction and operation of a preferred form of the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrative of the circuit employed in metal-clad switch gear of the type provided by the present invention;

Figure 2 is an end elevational View of a portion of the switch gear, showing the main circuit breaker in operative position;

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional View through the switch gear structure shown in Figure 2, taken substantially on the line 3 3 of Figure 2;

Figure 3A is a top plan View of the switch gear structure shown in Figure 3;

Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of a circuit breaker employed in the present invention and provided with the automatic coupling means for coupling it to the regulator circuit breaker;

Figure 5 is an elevational view of the main circuit breaker mounted upon a lift truck of the Vcross-braced by struts 38 and being tied together type used in this design of switch gear structure;

Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the regulator circuit breaker, showing in detail the frame means for mounting the regulator circuit breaker in position;

Figure 7 is a perspective View of the vertically movable carriage which forms a supporting cradle for the regulator circuit breaker shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is an elevational view, taken from within the cubicle of the switch .gear structure, showing the interlocking means in closed position, with a portion of the circuit breaker shown in detail to illustrate the manner of locking the same with respect to the cubicle frame;

Figure 9 is a view corresponding to Figure 8, but showing the interlocking mechanism in opened position, whereby the circuit breakers may be lowered for inspection and servicing;

Figure li) is a side elevational View of the lefthand draw bar of the cubicle structure, taken from within the frame, and showing the operative connection between the auxiliary switch and the draw bar mechanism;

Figure ll is a sectional View taken substantially on the line II-II of Figure 10 showing the manner in which the circuit breaker is moved into locking engagement with the frame of the switch gear structure; and

Figure l2 is a detail sectional view showing the coupling engagement between the main circuit breaker and the vertically movable frame which supports the regulator circuit breaker.

Referring now to the circuit diagram shown in Figure l, two adjacent bus sections of a metal- Clad switch gear installation are provided, the wiring diagram being a one-line diagram, although ordinarily three-phase installation is employed. The bus section at the left-hand side of Figure l has the main bus 20 and the transfer bus 22. Between the main bus 2l) and the feeder line F, there is provided a main circuit breaker, indicated at 23, current transformers induction regulators 21, and auxiliary regulator circuit breakers 28.

When the transfer bus is energized, transfer circuit breakers 24 are connected to feed the current to the feeder F through the transfer bus 22 and circuit breaker 24. Some of the feeder circuits may be connected to power transformer banks 32. Potential transformers 30 and current transformers are provided where it is desired to meter the power supplied to the feeder circuits or to the transformer banks. To change a feeder from the main bus to the transfer bus, in the left-hand bus section, the main bus 2Q is connected through circuit breaker 33 at the bus tie section to the transfer bus 22. Ordinarily, the main bus 7.5 is connected through circuit breaker 25 to the main bus 2i! of the adjacent bus section. The right-hand bus section of Figure l is similar to that previously described, having the main bus circuit breakers 23', the regulators 21, the regulator breakers 28 and the transfer bus breakers 24. The circuit conections for this type of installation are well known, and it is believed that no further description thereof is necessary.

Considering now in detail Figures 2, 3, and 3A, the cubicle or bus section units are indicated generally by the reference numerals 35, having the end panels 3G, which carry suitable meters and other equipment and whichv are provided with depending structural supporting members 3l comprising a plurality of channel supporting columns, the adjacent pairs of columns 31 being at their base by means of theI horizontal frame members 39.

The main bus housing is indicated by the reference numeral 40, and has disposed therein the three bus conductors 42 for the three phases of current led into the bus section. These busses have jumper connections to terminal contact plugs 43 which have depending contact portions adapted to be engaged by plug disconnect members, indicated generally at 44', carried by the main bus circuit breaker 45. The opposed terminals 46 of the circuit breaker 45 are connected to the potheads or terminals 4l which are, in turn, connected by means of suitable conductors to the current transformers 48 mounted upon suitable supporting members 49.

From the current transformers 48', the three phases are led to induction regulators 5G through jumpers 5I, and through the induction regulators and busses 54 to the incoming contact terminals 53 of a regulator circuit breaker, indicated at Eil. The disconnect contact members 52 of the regulator circuit breaker 50 are connected through suitable terminal members 53 to conductors 54 which, in turn, are connected to terminals 55 connected to the feeder circuits. The transfer bus housing or compartment is indicated at 5.5 and has extending therethrough the three transfer bus conductors 5l. The three busses 51 are connected to suitable terminal contacts 5B which are engaged by suitableV disconnect contacts 5S carried by the transfer oil circuit breaker 5l). The opposed disconnect contacts 6I of the oil circuit breaker are connected through terminals 63 to conductors (i4 leading to the feeder circuit terminals 55.

As shown in detail in Figure 3A, suitable insulating barrier plates are provided for segregating the various terminals of the induction regulators, regulator circuit breaker and .feeder circuits. Thus the insulating plate I0 extends transversely across the cubicle separating the compartment housing the current transformers 43 from the terminal means 53 and 53 of the regulator circuit breaker. 'The incoming terminals 5.5i of the regulator breaker 5.) are separated from the outgoing terminals 5'3 by means of the barrier plate I3 which extends substantially centrally through the upper portion of the cubicle. The incoming regulator breaker terminals 53 are further separated from the regulators 5D by means of the transverse barrier member I2 extending between the side wall of the cubicle and the barrier plate I3, the busses 5I and 54 extending through this barrier member in a manner well known in the art. The induction regulators 5S' and the feeder circuit terminals 55 are separated from the terminals 63 of the breaker 65 by means of the barrier member I5, through which extend the conduce tors 64 from the feeder circuit terminals 55. It is thus apparent that the barriers effectively segregate the various sets of terminals and the induction regulators into individual .insulated compartments.

The busses 42 and 5l may be arranged in any desired position within the bus housings 4@ and 56, such as by being spaced triangularly in the corners of the housings, or disposed in lateral alignment, as shown.

The circuit breakers 45 and' B9 are connected through oil retractors 65 and gas relief valves to exhaust headers 56. The specific details of construction of the bus unit are well known to those skilled in the art, and it is believed that a gen- III eral description thereof will suice for the purposes of the present invention.

Considering now in detail Figures 4 and 5, an ordinary type of bus circuit breaker, such as the circuit breaker 45, is provided, having the extending disconnect contacts indicated at 44 and 46. These disconnect terminals may comprise insulating tubular members enclosing flexible sockets of the type disclosed in the copending application of Alfred Alsaker and Fred H. Cole, Serial No. 681,158, filed July 19, 1933, or of any other desired type. The circuit breaker is provided with a head or dome structure 10 which has outwardly projecting lug portions 1| provided with suitable means for securing the tank thereto.

The circuit breaker is supported by a pair of brackets 13 and secured thereto by stud bolts 14 which thread into tapped holes in the bosses 15 of the dome 10. The circuit breaker operating mechanism 18, which may be of either the solenoid or motor type, is bolted to the plate 11 which, in turn, is attached to the brackets 13 through angle members 16. A secondary plug disconnecting means is enclosed within the housing 19. This disconnecting means may be of any suitable type, but I prefer to use the type disclosed in the copending application of Elias S. Cornell and Charles A. Koerner, Serial No. 685,047, filed August 14, 1933. This disconnecting means automatically connects and disconnects the circuits of the breaker operating mechanism when the breaker is raised or lowered to or from its operating position.

The main operating shaft of the breaker is indicated at 80. Connected to this shaft and rotatable therewith on one end is the camming lug 82, and on the other end is a similar camming lug except that the lower projecting portion of the lug 82 is omitted. The purpose of these camming lugs will be described in detail in connection with the interlocking mechanism.

At the side of the circuit breaker opposite the shaft 88 a channel-shaped bracket member, indicated at 83, is bolted to a supporting pad carried by the head 10 of the circuit breaker and is provided with the extending arms 84, having projecting shoulder portions 85 and pivoted coupling members 86 which are adapted to provide for coupling engagement between the main circuit breaker and the auxiliary regulator circuit breaker. This coupling engagement will be described in detail as the description progresses.

The brackets 13 are also provided, on their external surfaces, with a pair of channel-shaped socket members 88 which are welded or otherwise secured to the exterior faces of the brackets, and which have central open portions indicated at 89 adapted to receive vertically extending supportmg guides 99 carried by the elevating mechanism 'of a lift truck indicated generallyr at 92 in Figure 5.

The lift truck 92 is mounted upon suitable roller members 93 attached to horizontal base members Si!! for facilitating its movement, and is provided with a vertical structure 95 which supports the housing mechanism. The space between the horizontal members 94 is entirely open so that the breaker can be lowered to the floor and the truck removed, or so that the breaker head can be removed from the tank.

This hoisting structure comprises spaced members 95 guided by suitable rollers 91 within the channel member 95 and operated by means of the crank member 98 for raising and lowering movement, the jaw members engaging within the openings 89 in the socket members 88 for supporting the circuit breaker. The lower portion of the brackets 13, indicated at 99, are engaged upon extending shoulder portions |00 of the members 96, and upon operation of the crank S8 the members 90 are raised or lowered, and in turn raise and lower the circuit breaker 45. The details of construction of the hoisting and truck structures are well known and need no further description.

Referring now in detail to the regulator circuit breaker and its supporting cradle, indicated in Figures 6 and '1, the circuit breaker 50 is provided with the extending disconnect terminals 52 which are of the type disclosed in the above mentioned copending application of Alsaker and Cole. The breaker head is shown at |02. The operating linkage is contained within the housing |03 which is provided with bearings |04 for the operating shaft |05. Secured to the operating shaft |05 is a crank |06 which carries the crank pin |01 adapted to be engaged by suitable mechanism for operating the breaker. The supporting frame |02 is provided, upon opposite sides thereof, with extending angle members |08, provided with adjusting set screws |09 at spaced intervals therealong. The angles |08 may be welded or otherwise suitably secured to the surrounding frame |02.

Considering Figure 7 in detail, the cradle or supporting frame for the regulator breaker comprises a vertically slidable carriage member having vertically extending channel bars ||0, which are adapted to have sliding movement within the channels 31, as shown in Figure 3, by means of a pair of offset roller members ||2 and ||3 carried by each of the channel members |0. The roller members |2 are offset with respect to each other so that their respective bearing faces will engage with the flanges of the frame channel 31 (Figure 3) in such a manner that vertical alinement of the disconnecting terminals will be maintained in the longitudinal direction. Suitable stop means, such as the bolt member I5 shown in Figure 3, or a similar stop member, limits the downward movement of the frame. The cradle frame also includes a pair of angularly extending angle members ||5 secured at their lower ends to the channels ||0 by welding or the like, and provided with a cross-frame or bracing member ||1 secured therebetween.

At the upper ends of the channels ||0, a pair of laterally extending supporting members are provided, indicated at ||8. Upon the inner surfaces of the member I8 are provided a pair of channel members ||9 which may be welded or otherwise secured thereto, and which are adapted to receive, on their upper surfaces, the angle members |08 secured to the frame |02 of the regulator 50. A suitable channel member |20 is secured across the forward ends of the members ||8, and serves as an abutment means for the angularly extending bracket members ||6, which may be welded thereto or secured in any desired manner. Secured to the inner surfaces of the raised portions |22 of the bracket members ||8 is a substantially U-shaped bowed channel member |23, which is held in position by means of a plurality of rivets |24. The channel member |23 has secured thereto, adjacent the ends of the extending leg portions thereof, a pair of angle brackets |25, which are provided with set screws |26 adapted to have bearing engagement with the vertical wall of the housing |03 of the regulator.

Thus, upon positioning the angle members |00 fifi aisaszs of the regulator frame upon the channels l I9, rearward movement of the regulator with respect to the vertical lift frame or cradle is prevented by engagement of the rear surface of the housing |03 with the angle brackets `|25 and set screws |26. Forward movement of the regulator yframe is prevented by means of a pair of set screws |21 carried by the channelmember 20 and which are adapted to engage the forward edge of the supporting frame |02 of the regulator. Thus, the regulator breaker may be disposed within the frame shown in Figure 7, and securely locked therewith for vertical movement upon corresponding vertical movement of the frame within the channels 31. The pin |01 of the regulator breaker extends outwardly `of the chamber H8, whereby it may be readily engaged by suitable operating mechanism. If desired, the set screws and locking means may be omitted, land proper alignment of the regulator breaker within the cradle may be secured by proper correlation Yof the design of the cradle and regulator breaker frame |02 to provide a standardized and interchangeable construction that will bein alignment at all times.

Referring now briefly to Figure l2, in vwhich is shown in detail the coupling engagement between the main circuit breaker 45 and the regulater circuit breaker 50, it will be noted that the coupling lugs 88 are substantially U-shaped, and straddle the leg portions 84 of the brackets 83, being pivoted thereto by means of thepin members |29. A suitable spring member |30, mounted about a pin member |32 carried by the arms 84, is adapted to bear againstalower depending portion |33 of the lug members 86, extending along the inner surface of arms y|34. Exteriorly of the arms 84, as shown in detail in Figure 4, the lugs 85 are provided with laterally and outwardly extending offset portions |34, which, when in normal position, are urged forwardly of the arms `84 by means of the spring members |30. Upon lateral movement of the circuit breaker 45 inwardly toward the angle |23, by means of the truck 32, the shoulder portions 85 of the arms 84 will be disposed under the channel |23, and, as shown in Figure 12, upon a raising movement will engage the under surface of the channel. vThe stop provides for holding the regulator supporting frame in position so that the main circuit breaker may be moved laterally and vertically into engagement with the angle |23 in this manner.

Upon further vertical movement of the main circuit breaker, the lug portions |34 of the coupling members 86 are moved rearwardly by engagement with the cam plates |3| secured to the channels 31 at each side of the bowed portion of the channel |23, and serve to rotate the coupling lugs 86 in a clockwise direction about their pivots |23. This brings the upper latching portions |35 of these lugs into engagement with the upper surface of the channel member |23, and upon further vertical movement of the main circuit breaker 45 the channel |23 is clamped between the shoulder 85 and the under surface of the latching portion |35 of the lugs 86. During the time that this coupling engagement is being effected, the main circuit breaker 45 is lifted upwardly by means of the lift mechanism carried by the truck 92, and in turn serves to move the regulator breaker frame upwardly within lthe channels 31 by means of the abutting engagement between the shoulders 85,and the angle member |523 carried by the regulator circuit breakersupporting cradle. Thus the two circuit breakers are coupled together for conjoint vertical movement, and this coupling is maintained-in engagement at all times that the circuit breakers are in operating position, as the .cam plates |3| extend vertically a sufficient distance to maintain the members 86 rotated into latching position.

Upon release of the main ycircuit breaker from support upon the frame of the cubicle, and upon lowering movement thereof by means of the lift truck, the coupling engagement is maintained to lower the regulator circuit breaker simultaneously, and vupon the regulator circuit breaker reaching Aits lowermost position as determined by the stop H5, the main kcircuit breaker at this time is free of engagement with the frame and can be withdrawn outwardly of the cubicle, the coupling engagement between the two circuit breakers being automatically released by the lugs |34 having moved off of the lower edge of thecam Considering now in detail Figures 8 and 9, which are detail elevational views showing the right-hand draw bar ,and associated interlocking mechanism for controlling the operation of the circuit breakersand the removal and replacement of the same, the draw bar is indicated generally by th-e reference numeral |48. The channels 31 are provided with suitable slots to provide for lateral lreciprocatory movement of the draw bar |40 with respect to the channel, the draw bar being provided with a handled portion |42 to facilitate movement of the same. The handle |42 has a projecting boss portion |43 which serves to `limit inward movement of the bar |40 with respect to the channel 31, the draw bar |40 being made preferably of several sec,- tions, although it is apparent that it can be made of a unitary member, if desired. Between the channels 31, connected by the strut members 38 at the left-hand end of the cubicle frame structure shown, in Figure 3', a pair of laterally extending channel members are provided, indicated by the reference numerals |44 and |45. Spaced vertically between the channels |44 and |45, and secured to the inner surfaces thereof, is a plate member |45 having apair of bracket portions |41 bolted or otherwise secured thereto forming guiding slots for the central portion of the draw bar |40. A third channel ymember |48 is se,- cured to the outersurface of the channel 31 immediately below the channel member |45, and immediately below the channel member |48 an angle bracket member |49 is disposed within the channel y31 and is yprovided with a stop member |50 on the upper surface thereof.

The plate member |36, as more clearly shown in Figure 9, is provided with a pair of inwardly ,extending flanges |52 defining a channel having an upper limiting stop member |53 disposed therein. `Spaced `from the channel formed by the flanges |52 is a third flange |54, which is adapted to form one dening surface of a second channel opening. On the upper surface of the channel member v|48 is disposed an inwardly extending flange |55 extending between the flanges |52 and |54, and a second corresponding flange |58 extends from the Achannel ,31 to a position spaced outwardly from the flange |54 vand defining a channel opening in alignment therewith.

Referring now. to Figure 4, it willvbe noted that the bracket members 13 are provided, on their `outer surfaces, with substantially rectangularly shaped lugs |60, whichvarespaced apart a ydistance equal to the spacing of the flanges |52 and |54. The lower surfaces of the lugs |50 are recessed to define bearing portions |6|.

In securing the main circuit breaker 45 in supporting position upon the frame of the cubicle, the circuit breaker is moved inwardly to a position such that the lugs |60 carried by the brackets 13 thereof are positioned in alignment with the channel formed by the flanges |52 and in alignment with the defining surface of the flange |54. Below the draw bar |46, similarly flanged members |63 and |64 are provided, and as shown in dotted lines in Figure 9, the lugs |60 are moved inwardly until the innermost one thereof abuts against the stop |50 at its lower end, and/or against a depending portion of the ange |63 at its upper end. The hoisting mechanism of the truck 92 is then raised, raising the brackets 13 with the circuit breaker 45, and simultaneously raising the lugs |60, which are guided between the flange |63 and one end of the flange |55, and between the flange |64 and the end of the flange |56. Upon further upward movement, the lugs pass over the inner surface of the draw bar member |40, and pass into the channels dened by the flanges |52 and by the flange |54, assuming a position substantially as shown in Figure 8.

The draw bar |40 is preferably in three pieces, and has a central portion |65 which is of slightly heavier stock than the remaining portions of the draw bar. This portion |55 may be riveted or in any other suitable manner secured to the remaining portions of the draw bar |40, the end portions of the member |65 and the rivets preferably being countersunk to provide a smooth surface whereby the lugs |60 may slide thereover in passing from the flanges |63 and |64 to the flanges |52 and |54. The outer end |65' of the member |65 strikes the flange of channel 31 when the draw bar is pulled outwardly and serves as an abutment means for limiting outward movement of the draw bar.

Upon positioning of the lugs in their uppermost position, as defined by the stop |53, the draw bar |46 is pushed inwardly by means of the handle |43, and a pair of bearing supporting members |66 and |61 carried by the portion |65 thereof are adapted to be moved into position beneath the channel formed by the flanges |52 and the channel defined by flange |54. These bearing portions |61 and |68 are provided with raised bearing surfaces |69 which are adapted to be engaged in the bearing surfaces |6| formed in the lugs |60, to provide for proper bearing support of the main circuit breaker 45.

The bearing support |68 is provided with an upwardly extending portion having a shoulder portion |12 spaced from the bearing portion |69 thereof a distance corresponding substantially to the vertical extent of the lug |60, thereby defining the uppermost position of this lug. Thus, after the lugs have been raised to a position within the channels |52 and |54, the draw bar is moved inwardly through the channel members 31 positioning the bearing supports |61 and |68 beneath the lugs, and upon lowering of the hoisting mechanism, the weight of the main circuit breaker 45 is transferred to the bearing supports |61 and |68, which in turn transfer the weight to the horizontal channel member |48. The hoisting mechanism can then be lowered, withdrawing the guides 90 from the socket openings 89 in the members 88, and the truck can then be removed from the cubicle.

The lugs 82, carried by the shaft 80 of the circuit breakers, are normally, when the circuit breaker is in disconnect position, in the position shown in Figure 4 and in dotted lines in Figure 8. If the circuit breaker were in connecting position, the shaft 80 would be rotated to a position such that the lug 82 would be in the position shown in full lines in Figure 8. This would prevent raising of the circuit breaker, since the lug 82 cannot fit within the space between the channel 31 and the bracket support |60 When the draw bar is pulled out. Thus, the circuit breaker must be in its disconnect position when it is inserted into the cubicle and raised into supporting position.

Considering now the operating mechanism for the regulator circuit breaker, the pin |01 of this breaker is indicated in section in Figures 8 and 9. This pin, when the circuit breaker is in connected position, is in the position shown in Figure 8, and is engaged between the bifurcated ends |12 of a pivoted operating member |13 carried upon the pivot pin |14. The operating member |13 has a. laterally extending offset portion adapted to bear against a vertically extending angle member |16 secured by means of rivets |11 to the draw bar |40.

The member |13 is provided with an offset web portion indicated at |18, which prevents further counterclockwise movement of the member |13 from the position shown in Figure 8. The member |13 is rotated about its pivot |14 by means of a link member |19 connected by means of pin |80 to an offset portion of the member |13, the link member at its opposite end being connected by pin |82 to one arm |83 of a bell crank |84 pivoted about the shaft |85.

A supporting bracket for the pivot |85 and the pivot |14 is provided by means of the bracket member |86, which has opposed parallel side plates which are fastened to the frame 35 by means of the flanged portion |81 and to the channel 31 by means of the flanged portion |88.

The opposite end of the bell crank |84 is connected by means of pin |89 to a lever member |90, there being a spring |92 having one end thereof fixed to a pin |93 carried by the bracket |86. The spring |92 tends to draw the rocker arm in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot |85, and tends to force the member |13 in a clockwise direction about its pivot |14. This movement is in a direction tending to rotate the pin |01 and its corresponding shaft |05 in a direction to disconnect the regulator circuit breaker from the feeder circuit.

The arm or lever |90 extends through elongated slots |94 formed in the channel members 31 and projects outwardly from the outermost channel member 31. At its extending end, the lever |90 is pivoted by means of pin |95 to a bell crank member |96 rotatably supported by a pin |91 carried by a bifurcated support bracket |98 secured to the flange of the channel 31. The bell crank |96 has a socket portion 200 adapted to receive an operating lever for rotating the bell crank member about its pivot |91.

As clearly shown in Figure 9, the opposite arm of the rocker or bell crank arm |96, indicated at is provided with a latching surface 202, which is adapted to have corresponding engagement with a latching surface 203 carried by a locking member 204 pivoted upon pin 205 supported between the channel 31 and a bracket member 206. The latch or locking member 204 extends through one side of the channel member 31, and has secured to its inner portion an angle bracket 201 which has bearing engagement against a leaf spring member 208 secured by means of the block 209 to the inner surface of the inner side of the channel member 31.

Considering now in detail the operation of the left-hand draw bar member shown in Figure 10, this draw bar member is indicated generally by the reference numeral 212 having a handle portion 213 corresponding to the handle 142 of the draw bar |00. A pair of channel members 211i and 215 are secured to the outer surfaces of the channel 31, and have secured thereon a face plate member 216 corresponding to the member 140 of Figures 8 and 9. Suitable flanges 211 and 218 define a channel for receiving one of the lug members |60 of the main circuit breaker d5, there being a stop member 219 disposed therebetween at the upper portion thereof.

Disposed below the fiange 211 and in alignment therewith is a second flange 220 carried by an angle member 222 welded or otherwise secured to the plate 21B. A plate member or flange 223 is carried upon the upper surface of a third channel member 224 secured between the channels 31, and one of its defining ends cooperates with the flange 220 to define a lower channel for receiving the lug 160. A stop member 225, corresponding to the stop member I 50 of Figures 8 and v9, is provided upon the upper surface of the angle bracket 22S. Spaced outwardly from the flange 218 a distance corresponding substantially to the distance between the lug inembers 160 is a flange member 221 forming a defining surface for the other of the lug members 160 disposed on this side of the circuit breaker 45. Correspondingly, a second angle member 223, having the normally extending flange portion 229, is disposed on the plate 216 adjacent the channel 215 and cooperates with a flange plate 230 carried on the upper surface of the channel 224 to define a channel opening for the second lug member.

The draw bar member 212 is provided with an intermediate supporting portion indicated generally at 232, which is guided for movement within brackets 233 carried by the plate 210. Supporting and bearing brackets 234 and 235 are carried by the draw bar member 232, and at their upper ends have suitable bearing surfaces 236 cooperatingwiththebearingsurfaces161 of the lugs` |60. Outward movement of the draw bar 212 is prevented by the enlarged portion or member abutting against the surface of the inner side of the flange 31 as indicated at 231.

Upon movement of the circuit breaker into position within the cubicle opening, the lugs 160 ride along the upper surface of the angle bracket 226, and are limited in their inward movement by the lower depending portion of the ange 220 and the stop 225. Upon reaching this position, with the draw bar pulled toI its outermost position, as shown in Figure 10, the lifting mechanism of the truck 92 is operated to raise the lugs |60 between the flange 220 and the end of the flange 223, and between the flange 229 and the end of the flange 230, upwardly into the channel dened by the flanges 211 and 218, and into engagement with the channel defining surface of the flange 221. Upon the lifting mechanism being operated to raise the lugs upwardly to an extent sufficiently so that the innermost lug |60 engages the stop 219, the draw bar 2112 is then pushed inwardly, and moves the supporting brackets A2311 and 235 into position beneath the lugs 160. Upon lowering of the lifting mechanism, the weight of the circuit breaker is transferred through the supporting brackets 234 and 235 tothe channel member 224, as shown in Figure 11.

The upper portion of the supporting bracket 235 is extended, as indicated at 238, and a cutout portion indicated at 239 is provided which extends about the outermost lug 160 and serves to maintain this lug in a channel defined by the flange 221 and the cut-out portion 239 of the supporting bracket 235. The lug carried by the shaft S0 of the circuit breaker must be in a position corresponding to that shown in dotted lines in Figure 8, before the circuit breaker can be raised. Otherwise, the draw bar 212 cannot be drawn outwardly to allow the lugs 160 to pass upwardly within channelsA 211 and 218, and against channel 221. Thus the circuit breaker 45 cannot be raised unless it is in its disconnect position.

The upper end of the bracket 235 is provided with a pin member 240 which is adapted to engage within a slot carried in the end of a switch operating lever 242 carried by a switch mechanisin indicated generally at 233. The auxiliary switch indicated at 243 has electrical connection through the conduit 244 to the main control panel or switchboard, being in series with the circuit breaker operating circuit, and prevents closing of the circuit breaker into the feeder circuit until the draw bar 212 is moved inwardly locking the circuit breaker in position. As long as the draw bar remains in the position shown in Figure l0, the operating mechanism in the control panel is inoperative to connect the main bus circuit breaker into the feeder circuit, due to the position of the auxiliary switch 243.

Considering now the operation of the mechanism, assuming that both the regulator circuit breaker and the main circuit breaker are in raised position and connected into the feeder circuits. whereby the main bus is feeding through the main circuit breakers and through the regulator circuit breakers, current transformers and induction regulators to the feeder circuits. The lug 82 carried by the shaft 80 of the main circuit breaker is then in the position shown in full lines in Figure 8. If it is desired to remove the main circuit breaker, or to lower the regulator circuit breaker for inspection, servicing or repair, the equipment at the control panel is operated to disconnect the main circuit breaker from connection in the feeder circuit. The auxiliary switch 243 is in position allowing the circuit connections of the breaker to be opened.

This operation is subsequent to connection of the transfer circuit breaker into the feeder `circuit and the energization of the transfer bus for maintaining the service on the feeder circuit uninterrupted during this inspection or servicing o f the main bus connection. Upon disconnecting the main circuit breaker at the control panel, the shaft 80 is rotated, bringing the lug 82 into the position shown in dotted lines` in Figure 8. Previous to this disconnection, the lug 82 was in such position that it had bearing engagement at one end against the upper end 110 of the bracket 158, and on its other end had bearing engagement with the angle bracket 201 of the lock member 204, maintaining the lock member in the position shown in Figure 8 and preventing any clockwise rotation of the same tending to disengage the locking engagement between the surfaces 203 and 202. The rocker arm 196 is thus maintained in the position shown in Figure 8, and through the linkage mechanism |90, 50, VIS and |23, holds the pin |01 in position to maintain the regulator circuit breaker in connected position.

Thereupon, by rotating the shaft 80, effected by disconnection of the circuit breaker from the feeder circuit by the control switch at the switchboard, the lug 82 is rotated to release its bearing engagement with the bracket 20T. The main breaker is at this time disconnected from the circuit, and has ruptured the circuit, so that current from the main bus is not being transmitted through the regulator circuit breaker.

Thereupon, by pulling the latching lever 204 downwardly, the latching engagement with the rocker arm |95 is released due to the fact that the bracket 20E is moved inwardly with respect to the lug 82, since the lug has been rotated out of locking position, and consequently the rocker arm |84 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction by means of the spring |92, which forces the member |73 in a clockwise direction, and moves the pin |07 to the position shown in Figure 9, which cuts the regulator circuit breaker out of circuit connection, and also effects disengagement between the offset boss |15 and the plate member |16.

Previous to this movement of the lever |90, the portion |25 of the member |13 prevented outward withdrawal of the latching bar |40, and thus prevented any movement or" the supporting brackets I6? and |08. However, with the main circuit breaker disconnected, and with the regulator circuit breaker disconnected by release of the locking engagement between member 204 and rock shaft |95, the draw bar |40 is now free to move outwardly. The lift truck is put in position, and the hoisting mechanism thereof raised to engage in the sockets 89 carried by the main circuit breaker 45. Upon further raising of the circuit breaker by the hoisting mechanism, the weight of the circuit breaker is taken ofi of the supporting brackets |61, |58, 234 and 285, and consequently the left-hand draw bar 2|2, and the right-hand draw bar |40, can be withdrawn outwardly with respect to the cubicle.

rIhe outer position of these draw bars is indicated in Figures 9 and i0. Thereafter, upon lowering of the lifting mechanism of the truck S2, the circuit breaker lugs |60 slide downwardly within the channels formed by the anges carried by the facing plates |40 and 2|0, and are moved into the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 9. At the same time, due to the coupling engagement between the bracket 83 and the channel |23 of the regulator cradle frame, lowering of the main circuit breaker 45 also lowers the regulator circuit breaker 50. Just before the regulator circuit breaker 50 reaches its lowermost position, as determined by the stop H5, the latching ears or lugs |34 of the arms S5 ride oir" of the lower end of the cam plates I3| secured to the channel 3T at either side of the bowed channel |23 of the regulator frame cradle. This allows the latching members 8E to be rotated into the position shown in Figure 4, by means of the spring |30, and permits a further lowering of the main circuit breaker until it is out of engagement with any of the frame members when it can be removed from the cubicle by rolling the truck 92 outwardly, and the breaker is automatically uncoupled from the cradle of the regulator breaker. If desired, the main breaker can be lowered until the lugs |60 bear on the top ange of angle |49 of the cubicle frame. The breaker can then be leit supported in this position, the hoisting mechanism lowered until the ears are released from the sockets 88 and the truck then removed from the cubicle. Since the main circuit breaker is out of engagement with any of the frame members, it can then be removed outwardly of the cubicle by rolling the truck 92 outwardly, and is automatically uncoupled from the regulator cradle frame.

In its lowered position, the regulator circuit breaker is so positioned that its disconnect terminals 52 are disposed a suiiicient distance below the terminal contacts 53 to provide for inspection and servicing of the same, and to provide for inspection and servicing of the regulator breaker or any of its component parts. Meanwhile, the main circuit breaker can be serviced exteriorly of the cubicle.

In order to reassemble the equipment, the truck with the main circuit breaker carried thereby is rolled into the end of the cubicle, and is positioned therein so that the lugs |50, carried by the brackets 13 thereof, abut against stop members |50, |63, 225 and 220, which aligns these lugs for vertical movement within the latching mechanism. At the same time, the extending shoulder portions of the bracket arms 84 extend under the channel |23 of the regulator breaker cradle with clearance between the top face of shoulder 85 and lower face of ange of channel |23. Upon upward movement of the hoisting mechanism, the main circuit breaker is moved upwardly until the shoulder 85 engages with channel |23 and a further movement then causes the regulator cradle to also move upwardly until the camming ears |34 of the arms 85 engage the cam plates |3| and thereby force the latching ears |35 over the top of the channel |23. In this manner, the main circuit breaker and the regulator circuit breaker are raised into connect position with respect to the terminals 43, 4'| and 53.

Upward movement of the main circuit breaker is limited by means of the stops 2 9 and |53, and when the main circuit breaker reaches this position, the contacts are fully engaged for both the regulator circuit breaker and the main circuit breaker. positioned, the latching bars 2|2 and |40 are moved inwardly, disposing the bearing portions |59 of the supporting brackets |61 and |68 and the bearing portions 235 of the brackets 234 and 235 beneath the bea-ring surfaces |6| of the lugs |80. Thereafter, upon lowering of the lifting mechanism of the truck, the circuit breaker is carried upon the bearing supports and is securely latched to the frame, and, by reason of the coupling engagement, supports the regulator breaker in connected position.

With the draw bar 2 I2 moved inwardly the auxiliary switch 243 is closed, which permits the electrical operation o the main circuit breaker by the control switch on the control panel.

It should be remembered that up to this point both the main circuit breaker and the regulator circuit breaker are in their switch open positions. In order to again cut the regulators into the circuit, both of these switches must be closed. The regulator breaker must be closed first by inserting a suitable handle Within the socket 200 and rotating the bell crank |96 about the pivot |91 to cause the member |13 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 9. The

When the main circuit breaker is so pin |fi'l, being previously engaged with the forked arm |72 when the breakers were raised to their connected position, will then rotate in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 6, and cause the regulator breaker to move to its switch closed position. When the regulator breaker is completely closed the latch 2M engages with the cam surface of the arm fill on bell crank |96 and is thereby locked in its switch closed position. This latching engagement is maintained by means of the spring member 258 and the normal biasing of the regulator breaker towards its switch open position.

The main circuit breaker may now be operated to its switch closed position by the control switch on the control panel. Closing of this switch rotates the camming lug 82 to the position shown in full lines in Figure 8, whereby the right-hand draw bar |40 is prevented from outward movement due to the abutting engagement of the camming lug fil! with the upper portion |10 of the bracket |03, and the regulator breaker cannot be moved to its swit-ch open position while the main breaker is in its switch closed position, due to the abutting engagement of the angle bracket Zl against the camming lug 82 which thereby prevents the release of the latch 204.

In the closing operations, it has just been pointed out that the regulator breaker must be closed first, then the main circuit breaker can be closed. If the main breaker should be closed first it will be found that it is then impossible to close the regulator breaker. rlhis can be explained by referring to Figures 8 and 9. In Figure 9 the manual operating mechanism of the regulator breaker is shown in the switch open position and held in this position by 'the spring |92 and the latch heid in the position shown by the spring .Ru pressing against the heel of the latch 204. The angle bracket is also attached to the heel of the latch close to the front of Contact of the heel with the spring 258. Now, if the main circuit breaker is closed first, the camming lug 8 2 would assume a position with respect to latch 201 as shown by the full lines in Figure 8, this prohibiting any clockwise movement of latch 204. From Figure 9 it is evident that latch 204 must be moved in a clockwise direction in order for arm 20| of the rocker arm |96 to pass by the arm 203 of the latch Zilli so that face 202 will engage with face which is the relative position of 'these faces when the regulator circuit break-er is in the closed position. Thus it is evident that the regulator circuit breaker cannot be closed if the main circuit breaker should happen to be closed first.

An interlocking and supporting mechanism in general similar to that of the main circuit breaker 55 is also provided for the transfer circuit breaker except that it is not necessary to interlock the transfer breaker with the regulator breaker. In the case of the transfer breaker 69, the interlocking supporting structures consists of two mechanisms shown in Figure 10 except that the auxiliary switch 'M3 and its connecting links are omitted from one mechanism.

It is therefore apparent that I have provided an interlocking means between the main circuit breaker and the auxiliary regulator breaker whereby the regulator breaker cannot open the load current of the feeder circuit but that this load current must first be interrupted by the main circuit breaker. The regulator circuit breaker is called upon to open only the charging current of the regulators and can therefore be of a smaller interrupting capacity than that of the main circuit breaker, but the regulator breaker must, of course, have a voltage and current rating at least equivalent to the requirements of the feeder circuit. Furthermore, the regulator breaker cannot be closed unless the main circuit breaker is open.

I have also provided an interlocking mechanism for the main and transfer circuit breakers so that these breakers cannot be removed from their supported or switch operating position unless the breakers are in their switch open position. Also an auxiliary switch, indicated at 243 in Figure 10, is provided for each of these breakers so that when the draw bar to which the auxiliary switch is connected is pulled out for the purpose of lowering the breaker from its operating position, the breaker cannot be closed by the control switch on the control panel.

Also I have provided for the conjoint vertical movement of the main circuit breaker and the regulator circuit breaker upon movement of the main circuit breaker by the lifting mechanism of the lift truck and have also provided a means whereby the regulator breaker can be automatically disengaged from its manual operating mechanism.V

Whether the breakers are in their raised or lowered positions (connected and disconnected positions, respectively) can be easily determined by visual inspection, and when it is determined that they are in their disconnected positions, safety is assured to the repairman who finds it necessary to work on the equipment or circuit so disconnected.

I am aware that various modifications may be made in certain details of construction shown and described in the present invention, particularly in regard to providing some form of internal hoisting mechanism which will eliminate the use of the lift type truck, and I do not therefore intend to be limited except as dened by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In metal-clad switch gear of the class described, a main bus, a transfer bus, a feeder circuit, means including a main circuit breaker and a regulator circuit breaker for connecting said main bus to said 4feeder circuit, and means providing for conjoint vertical movement of said regulator breaker and said main breaker.

2. In metal-clad switch gear of the class described, a feeder circuit for said switch gear including a main breaker and a regulator circuit breaker, means providing for conjoint raising and lowering of said regulator breaker into and out of operative position upon raising and lowering of said main breaker into and out of operative position, and means providing for release of said lastnamed means in lowered position of said main breaker.

3. In metal-clad switch gear of the class described, a bus, a feeder circuit, a main circuit breaker, means for guiding said breaker for vertical movement therein, a regulator circuit breaker, means providing for conjoint raising or lowering of said regulator breaker into or out of operative position upon respective raising or lowering of said main breaker into or out of operative position to connect and disconnect said bus and feeder circuit, and means providing for release of said last-named means upon lowering of said main breaker out of engagement with said guide means.

e. In metal-clad switch gear including a pair of spaced channel members, a cradle frame vertically movable in said channels, a feeder circuit including a regulator circuit breaker adapted to be mounted on said frame and a main circuit breaker supported by said switch gear, means providing for raising or lowering of said main breaker to or from supported position, and coupling means carried by said main breaker for effecting conjoint movement of said regulator breaker upon raising or lowering of said main breaker.

5. In metal-clad switch gear including a pair of spaced channel members, a cradle frame vertically movable in said channels, stop means for limiting lowering movement thereof, a feeder circuit including a regulator circuit breaker adapted to be mounted on said frame and a main circuit breaker supported by said Switch gear, means providing for raising or lowering of said main breaker to or from supported position, and coupling means carried by said main breaker for effecting conjoint movement of said regulator breaker upon raising or lowering of said main breaker, and means for effecting release of said coupling means upon lowering of said main breaker beyond a predetermined position.

6. In combination, in switch gear of the class les-crlbed, a feeder circuit including a main bus circuit breaker and a regulator circuit breaker, said breakers being vertically movable into and out of operative position, manually operable switching means for opening said regulator breaker, means carried by said main breaker preventing opening of said regulator breaker prior to opening of said main breaker, supporting means for maintaining said main breaker in operative position, and means connected to said manually operable means for preventing release of said supporting means prior to opening of said regulator breaker.

'7. In combination, in a feeder circuit for switch gear of the class described, a main circuit breaker, a regulator circuit breaker, a frame for said regulator breaker having vertical sliding movement within said switch gear, coupling means operable upon upward movement of said main breaker into operative position to raise said frame simultaneously to move said regulator breaker into operative position, means for supporting said main circuit breaker in operative position, and means associated with said regulator breaker preventing moving the same into its switch closed position subsequent to movement of said main breaker into its switch closed position.

8. In switch gear of the class described having a feeder circuit, a regulator circuit breaker in said circuit, said breaker having a supporting head, a cradle for supporting said breaker including vertically extending channels, rollers carried by said channels, a pair of vertical channel columns in said switch gear receiving said cradle and guiding said rollers for vertical movement therein, said rollers being offset with respect to the axis of said columns to maintain said regulator breaker in vertical alinement throughout the said vertical movement.

9. In switch gear of the class described having a feeder circuit, a regulator circuit breaker in said circuit, said breaker having a supporting head, a cradle for supporting said breaker including vertically extending channels, rollers carried by said channels, a cradle for supporting said breaker, and means for guiding said cradle during vertical movement thereof to maintain said regulator breaker in Vertical alinement when said breaker is raised to its switch operating position.

10. In metal-clad switch gear of the class described, a main circuit breaker and a. regulator circuit breaker connected between a main bus and a feeder circuit, means for supporting said main circuit breaker in operating position, means carried by said main breaker for holding said regulator breaker in operating position, manually operable means for cutting said regulator breaker into and out of said circuit, remote controlled means for cutting said main breaker into and out of said circuit, and means associated with said manually operable means and engaging said main breaker for preventing cutting out of said regulator breaker before said main breaker is cut out and preventing cutting in of said regulator breaker subsequent to cutting in of said main breaker.

1l. In metal-clad switch gear of the class described, a main circuit breaker and a regulator circuit breaker connected between a main bus and a feeder circuit, means for supporting said main circuit breaker in operating position, means carried by said main breaker for holding said regulator breaker in operating position, manually operable means for cutting said regulator breaker into and out of said circuit, remote controlled means for cutting said main breaker into and out of said circuit, and means associated with said manually operable means and engaging said main breaker for preventing cutting out of said regulator breaker before said main breaker is cut out.

12. In metal-clad switch gear a main circuit breaker and a regulator circuit breaker connected between a main bus and a feeder circuit when in their operating positions, means for raising said main circuit breaker to its operating position, means for supporting said main breaker, for raising and holding said regulator breaker in its operating position, manually operable means for cutting, said regulator breaker into and out of said circuit, means associated with said manually operable means and engaging with said main circuit breaker for preventing cutting in of said regulator breaker after said main breaker is cut in, and means preventing cutting in of said main breaker until it is in its operating position.

13. In metal-clad switch gear the combination consisting of a housing, a main circuit breaker disposed in one end of said housing, a regulator circuit breaker disposed inwardly of said main breaker within said housing, and a coupling means between said main breaker and said regulator breaker necessitating conjoint movement therebetween said coupling means being automatically engaged when the main breaker is raised and automatically disengaged 'when the main breaker is lowered.

14. In metal-clad switch gear the combination consisting of a housing, a main circuit breaker disposed in one end of said housing, a regulator circuit breaker disposed inwardly of said main breaker within said housing, and a transfer breaker disposed in the opposite end of said housing.

15. In metal-clad switch gear the combination consisting of a housing, a main circuit breaker disposed in one end of said housing, a transfer circuit breaker disposed in the other end of said housing, a regulator breaker disposed inwardly of said housing adjacent said main breaker, re-

leasable means for supporting said main breaker in said housing, releasable means for supporting said transfer breaker in said housing, means for raising and lowering said main circuit breaker and said transfer breaker within said housing, and means for associating said regulator breaker with said main breaker to provide for conjoint vertical movement of the main breaker and regulator breaker.

16. In metal-clad switch gear, a main bus, a feeder circuit, means for connecting said bus to said circuit including a main circuit breaker and a regulator circuit breaker, said breakers being coupled together for conjoint vertical movement, and means for releasing said coupling engagement only in lowermost position of said breakers.

17. In metal-clad switch gear, a main bus, a feeder circuit, means for connecting said bus to said circuit including a main circuit breaker and a regulator circuit breaker, a cubicle, means for raising and lowering said main breaker in said cubicle, a verticallymovable cradle for said regulator breaker, means coupling said cradle to said main breaker upon vertical mov-ement of said f main breaker, and means preventing disengagement of said coupling means except when said main breaker is in lowermost position in said cubicle.

.1.8. In combination, in a switch gear cubicle, a main circuit breaker and a regulator breaker coupled together for conjoint vertical movement in said cubicle, and means preventing closing -of either of said breakers unless said breakers are locked in operative position with respect to said cubicle.

19. In combination, in a switch gear cubicle, a main circuit breaker, a regulator circuit breaker, means coupling said breakers together for conjoint vertical movement in said cubicle, and

means locking said breakers to said cubicle in operative position including means determining the sequence of opening and closing of said breakers.

20. In metal-clad switch gear, a main bus, a feeder circuit, means including a main circuit breaker and a regulator circuit breaker for connecting said bus to said circuit, and means carried by one of said breakers preventing independent movement of either of said breakers into and out of operative position.

21. In a switch gear cubicle having a main bus and a feeder circuit, means for connecting said bus to said circuit including a main breaker and a regulator breaker, a supporting frame for said main breaker movable vertically in said cubicle, and means carried by said frame automatically coupling said regulator breaker thereto when said frame is disposed in said cubicle for vertical movement.

22. In metal-clad switch gear having a main circuit breaker and a regulator circuit breaker for connecting a bus to a feeder circuit, said breakers being coupled for conjoint vertical movement, means for locking said main breaker in operative position, and switch means controlled by said locking means for preventing closoi said main breaker prior to locking of said breaker in operative position.

23. In a switch gear cubicle, a main circuit breaker and a regulator circuit breaker coupled together for conjoint movement, means for locking said breakers in operative position only when said breakers are both in switch-open position, and means carried by said main breaker preventing release of said locking means unless both said break-ers are in switch-open position.

FRED H. COLE. 

